DGCA Orders One-Time Drug Screening for Pilots

India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed domestic airlines to complete a one-time mandatory screening for psychoactive substances among all pilots by 31 July 2027. The order covers an estimated 14,000 pilots employed in India and is linked to aviation safety oversight under the Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) framework.

DGCA and Civil Aviation Regulation

The DGCA is the national civil aviation regulator of India and functions under the Ministry of Civil Aviation. It issues Civil Aviation Requirements, which are binding regulatory instructions for airlines, flight crew, and air traffic controllers. The existing CAR framework, revised on 31 January 2022, required random annual psychoactive substance testing for 10% of flight crew and air traffic controllers.

Psychoactive Substance Screening in Aviation

Psychoactive substance screening in aviation refers to testing for drugs or other substances that can affect judgement, reaction time, coordination, and alertness. Such testing is used for safety-sensitive personnel, including pilots and air traffic controllers. In India, the current mandate extends beyond random testing to a one-time screening of all pilots across domestic airlines.

Air India Flight AI2379 Incident

The directive followed a mid-air incident involving Air India flight AI2379 from Phuket to Delhi on 4 August 2026. The Airbus A320 experienced a triple-hydraulic failure and a sudden 300-foot altitude drop. The pilot-in-command, Captain Sudeep Vashistha, later tested positive for marijuana in a confirmatory drug test and was terminated by Air India.

Important Facts for Exams

• The DGCA is India’s civil aviation regulator and operates under the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Air traffic controllers are also covered under psychoactive substance testing rules in India.
• Airbus A320 is a narrow-body commercial aircraft widely used by airlines in India and abroad.
• Random testing of 10% of flight crew and air traffic controllers was part of the CAR framework before the new directive.

Current Policy Development

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu has stated that the government is consulting stakeholders on stricter permanent testing guidelines for pilots. The proposed framework is expected to be finalised before the end of September 2026.